Reframing the case for mass transit: unlocking socio-economic potential through strategic appraisal
James Hill,
Urban Transit Director, Egis UK
The role of transport infrastructure in shaping our cities is far more profound than simply connecting places. Infrastructure projects, like light rail, have the power to regenerate communities, drive investment and support long-term social and economic growth. However, in the UK, traditional methods of assessing infrastructure projects continue to undervalue these wider benefits, often hindering progress and deterring investment, says James Hill, Urban Transit Director at Egis in the UK
The Treasury’s Green Book, a key framework for evaluating public projects, exemplifies the challenge. While effective at quantifying direct costs and benefits, it falls short in capturing the intangible and long-term socio-economic impacts that key infrastructure like light rail delivers. The result? Disruption costs, such as road closures during construction, are overstated, while broader regenerative benefits remain underappreciated. This imbalance skews decision-making and leaves many transformative opportunities unrealised.
Towards a strategic vision for transport
Change is on the horizon. The government’s proposed Integrated National Transport Strategy signals a significant shift in how we plan and appraise infrastructure projects. Inspired by international examples, such as the city of Dijon’s seamless transport system, delivered with Egis’ expertise, the strategy prioritises long-term outcomes like job creation, access to education and social equity over purely transactional metrics.
This approach couldn’t come at a better time. The UK’s current piecemeal framework for evaluating transport infrastructure projects limits their ability to contribute to broader national goals. A more strategic, programme-level vision, one that cascades from national objectives to regional and local initiatives, can unlock the full potential of infrastructure investments.
Traditional methods of assessing infrastructure projects continue to undervalue these wider benefits
In cities like Lyon and Dijon, for example, integrated transport systems are treated not just as mobility solutions but as engines of urban renewal. These cities demonstrate how prioritising socio-economic and environmental outcomes can transform public perception and drive investment, setting a benchmark for what’s possible.
Light rail: beyond the tracks
Light rail is uniquely positioned to deliver these broader benefits. Its permanence offers a long-term commitment to communities, increasing confidence among businesses and investors. From reducing congestion and emissions to creating vibrant urban spaces, light rail projects deliver value that extends far beyond moving people from A to B.
The Midland Metro Alliance (MMA) project in Birmingham exemplifies this. While initially appraised as a transit project, its wider impact includes the ‘track to shopfront’ regeneration of Digbeth High Street and improved public spaces, showcasing how light rail can become a catalyst for urban transformation.
Integrated transport systems are treated not just as mobility solutions but as engines of urban renewal
However, unlocking this potential requires a fundamental shift in how transport projects are appraised. Business cases must move beyond traditional cost-benefit analyses and embrace holistic frameworks that measure social return on investment, environmental benefits and long-term economic impacts. The Integrated National Transport Strategy provides a critical opportunity to embed these principles into both national and local government appraisal processes.
Setting the scene for change – register for our free webinar
These are the themes we’ll explore in Egis’ upcoming webinar, hosted by Interchange. ’Beyond the tracks: what’s the cost of true urban regeneration?’, takes place on Tuesday, 28 January, at 13:00 (GMT).
Bringing together policymakers, industry leaders and international experts, the webinar will explore:
How light rail projects can unlock urban regeneration and socio-economic growth.
Lessons from global best practices, including Lyon, on delivering integrated and impactful transit systems.
The critical role of appraisal frameworks in capturing these benefits, enabling stronger business cases and secure investment for future projects
The event will set the stage for an urgent conversation on how the UK can align its transport strategy with its long-term social and environmental goals. By reframing how we evaluate and deliver infrastructure projects, we can transform our cities and ensure they thrive for generations to come.
Register now to join the discussion and help shape the future of light rail and urban transit in the UK.
James Hill is Urban Transit Director at Egis in the UK. Chaired by James, other participants in the webinar include Anne Shaw, Chief Executive at Transport for the West Midlands, Gautier Rouhet, project director at Lyon Transport Authority and Steve Gooding, Director of the RAC Foundation